A PAIR OF FRENCH RESTAURATION GILT-BRONZE MOUNTED EGYPTIAN PORPHYRY AND PINK GRANITE VASES AND COVERS, CIRCA 1820, AFTER PIERRE-PHILIPPE THOMIRE |

the handles topped with women playing antique aulos, the pedestal with ram heads and wine garlands on a antique red marble base

The photograph is quite accurate. Good overall condition. On one vase, tiny edge chips and small patch of restorations under the cover. The porphyry vase has to be refixed properly. Minor chips on the red marble base. On the other vase, chip on the cover rim, and very tiny chips on the circular edge of the porphyry, one granit lower base with edge chips (not distracting).
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The model of these vases is almost identical to the one kept in the Louvre (OA 6620), whose mounting is attributed to Pierre-Philippe Thomire and dated around 1790. It was bought by Madame Du Barry from the decorative arts dealers Daguerre and Lignereux on 1 May 1792, then confiscated during a revolutionary seizure of her pavilion at Louveciennes in 1794 and housed since in the national collections. As P. Malgouyres recalls, "the composition [of the vase], falsely simple, is extremely elaborate". The base adorned with ram's heads and grapevine branches is inspired by the decor on the Ara Pacis erected for Emperor Augustus. The "hybrid creatures sitting on the body", playing the Arcadian shepherds' musical instrument aulos, contribute to evoke a "dreamy Antiquity". (cf. Porphyre, La Pierre pourpre des Ptolémées aux Bonaparte, Paris, 2003, cat. 63, pp. 169-170).